WITC students take top national awards

WITC students New Richmond Chapter at BPA take top awards at national leadership conference in Washington, D.C. Front Row: Selena Buerkle, Terri Rydeen, Pat Roettger. Back Row: Lowell Setterlund, Stephanie Formo, Amanda Kuske.

(5/12/11): Yet again, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College students make it clear they are a force to reckon with when it comes to business competition. A group of six students from WITC-New Richmond recently competed in the national 2011 Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Pat Roettger (Downing) placed first in Keyboard Production. Terri Rydeen (St. Croix Falls) placed third in Interview Skills. Many WITC students finished in the Top 10 in several events. Others who competed include Selena Buerkle (Woodville), Lowell Setterlund (New Richmond), Stephanie Formo (Somerset) and Amanda Kuske (Milltown).

The group competed in state competition earlier this year and qualified for national competition in Washington, D.C. They held fundraisers to raise the money needed for the trip, with many area businesses, students and community members supporting their efforts with donations.

Through involvement in BPA, students build lasting relationships with community business circles and have opportunities for personal and professional growth, travel and new experiences. Members participate in leadership development, activities, workshops and conferences. The BPA advisors are WITC instructors Linda Richie and Kevin Salmon.